Cyprus is set to open a new facility dedicated to the care of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), authorities announced on Saturday, marking International Seal Day. The facility will be located at the Cyprus marine aquaculture research centre in Meneou, under the auspices of the fisheries and marine research department (FMRD).
The FMRD highlighted the vital role it plays in the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal population on the island, through its national monk seal monitoring team.
Despite facing challenges in 2024, including the loss of a seal mother shortly after giving birth, the team has seen some positive developments. Two seal pups were born, named ‘Panayiotis’ and ‘Andriana’. The birth of these pups brought joy, but the tragic loss of their mother reminded the team of the fragility of this species and the ongoing need for conservation efforts.
In a notable example of swift action, the monitoring team responded quickly when the mother of ‘Panayiotis’ was found dead. They immediately located the orphaned pup, who was discovered on November 21, 2024, and transported him to the Cyprus marine aquaculture research centre for urgent care. The following day, Panayiotis was transferred to the Mediterranean monk seal rescue centre in Athens, run by the Hellenic society for the study and protection of the Mediterranean monk seal.
As of February 2025, the monitoring team visited Athens to check on Panayiotis. Reports confirmed that the young seal is thriving, gaining weight, and is now eating fish as part of his recovery. He is expected to return to Cyprus soon and be reintroduced to the wild.
Cyprus is also joining a new research project, Life Adapts which began on the 1st of January 2025. This initiative, which will run for five years, involves partners from Cyprus, Greece and Italy, and focuses on the conservation of key species in the European Union, including the Mediterranean monk seal, sea turtles, and other marine wildlife.
As part of this project, the new seal rescue centre will provide critical care for seals like Panayiotis, furthering Cyprus’ commitment to the protection of this vulnerable species. The FMRD stressed the importance of the public’s involvement in conservation efforts, stating that every individual can contribute to ensuring the survival of the Mediterranean monk seal in Cypriot waters.
